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Travel and transport

All Kinds of Cars

For Non-Fiction November 2019, the theme is Travel and Transport Around the World, but if you're not sure where to start, don't worry - we've put together a list of brilliant books that will wow you and your family...

  • The Story of the Car

    The Story of the Car

    Author: Giles Chapman Illustrator: Us Now
    Publisher: Wren & Rook
    Interest age: 5-12
    Reading age: 7-11

    Starting from the invention of the car and journeying through its development as a mode of transport (and a thing of beauty in itself) to electric cars and the future of motoring, this fascinating book about the history of cars feels well overdue. It’s not a subject that has received much attention in children’s nonfiction, despite a great interest among you…

  • Africa Amazing Africa

    Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

    Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Mouni Feddag
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 6-11
    Reading age: 7+

    A perfect book for young children interested in their cultural heritage or for those with a passion for travel and geography, this would also make a gorgeous gift for anyone interested in Africa.

  • Fast Forward: The World's Most Famous Race Tracks and Race Cars

    Fast Forward: The World's Most Famous Race Tracks and Race Cars

    Author: Adam Skinner Illustrator: James Gilleard
    Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
    Interest age: 6-11
    Reading age: 7+

    This remarkable, colourful guide to car racing will thrill little petrolheads: expect technical details, history, and fascinating personal interest stories.

  • All Kinds of Cars

    All Kinds of Cars

    Author: Carl Johanson
    Publisher: Flying Eye Books
    Interest age: 2-8
    Reading age: 5+

    A unique, picture book about real and imaginary vehicles of every sort: from a fire engine, small loading shovel and a limousine, to a moving skyscraper car, a sock on wheels and a chewing-gum car!

  • Stephen Biesty’s Trains

    Stephen Biesty’s Trains

    Author: Ian Graham Illustrator: Stephen Biesty
    Publisher: Templar
    Interest age: 5+
    Reading age: 7+

    This generously proportioned lift-the-flap book takes a journey through rail history: it's packed with fascinating nuggets of information and technical details, with clear yet beautiful drawings.

  • Lots

    Lots

    Author: Marc Martin
    Publisher: Bonnier Publishing
    Interest age: 3-6
    Reading age: 5+

    This beautiful book celebrates the world we live in: there are LOTS of people, places, landscapes and cultures to see. Marc Martin's illustrations capture the spirit of every place and culture, igniting the travelling bug for young explorers.

  • The Hello Atlas

    The Hello Atlas

    Author: Ben Handicott Illustrator: Kenard Pak
    Publisher: Wide Eyed Books
    Interest age: 7-9
    Reading age: 7-9

    The Hello Atlas is the ideal book for children eager to learn more about the world around them (and parents, too). Teach your little ones useful phrases in over 100 different languages, while finding out more about people from all over the globe.

  • Maps of the United Kingdom

    Maps of the United Kingdom

    Author: Rachel Dixon Illustrator: Livi Gosling
    Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
    Interest age: 6-10
    Reading age: 7+

    This comprehensive hardback guide to the UK is full of illustrated maps, facts and historical titbits. A great way to get children excited about exploring – or perhaps whet their interest about any planned holidays or day trips.

  • Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers

    Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers

    Author: Alastair Humphrey Illustrator: Kevin Ward
    Publisher: Big Picture Press
    Interest age: 7-10
    Reading age: 8+

    An inspiring introduction to 20 adventurers and explorers from the last 700 years. This book will encourage readers to live more adventurously, think a little more boldly and go a little further themselves.

  • Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay

    Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay

    Author: Alexandra Stewart Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton
    Publisher: Bloomsbury
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. But what were their individual stories, and how did they end up climbing Everest together? A detailed and beautifully rendered account of this amazing achievement.

  • Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World

    Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World

    Author: Ben Handicott Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
    Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
    Interest age: 8-11
    Reading age: 8+

    From the Eiffel Tower to Angkor Wat, Death Valley to Easter Island, this edition of the beautiful and information-packed Atlas of Adventures series explores 30 wonders of the world, featuring a mix of human structures and natural phenomena.

  • Skyward

    Skyward

    Author: Sally Deng
    Publisher: Flying Eye Books
    Interest age: 7-11
    Reading age: 7+

    This slightly fictionalised version of the experiences of female pilots in World War Two is a fascinating read in terms of untold history. It's also an inspiring and heartwarming story of the close bonds these pioneer female pilots formed with each other. Brilliant.